Budding Brioche

Budding Brioche Shawl by Jennifer Shiels Toland

What is Being Made

Budding Brioche is a top-down triangular shawl designed as an accessible introduction to brioche knitting. The shawl features a distinctive construction that combines generous sections of garter stitch with strips of single-color brioche panels, culminating in a decorative scalloped edge with a flowery budding brioche finish. This design makes brioche knitting approachable for knitters new to the technique while remaining engaging for more experienced brioche enthusiasts.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs a top-down construction method, allowing knitters to try on the shawl as it grows and customize the finished size by working to their desired dimensions. The design strategically intersperses relaxing garter stitch sections with focused brioche work, creating visual interest and texture variation throughout the piece. The scalloped edge with budding brioche detailing adds a refined, floral-inspired finishing touch.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: Provides a squishy, textured foundation that comprises significant portions of the shawl
• Brioche Stitch: The signature technique featured in single-color panels throughout the design, with special attention to the budding brioche scalloped edge

Materials and Yarn

The pattern is designed using Road to China Light from The Fibre Company, a yarn specifically chosen for its luxurious qualities. Sport weight yarn is recommended for this project, which provides an ideal balance of drape and stitch definition for both garter and brioche sections.

Difficulty Level and Support

Rated as an intermediate project, Budding Brioche serves as an excellent beginner brioche introduction despite its intermediate classification. The pattern includes comprehensive brioche video tutorials to support knitters learning this specialized technique. A structured Knit-Along (KAL) community event provides additional encouragement and peer support for both novice and experienced brioche knitters working through the pattern together.